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Obituary For Mr. Nathaniel Tollison
Nathaniel Tollison was born on June 8, 1942, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and peacefully transitioned from this life on October 3, 2025, at the age of 83.
Nathaniel was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Reverend Samuel and Mary Tollison, and his beloved brothers, Samuel Jr. and Reverend Matthew Tollison. Raised in a home filled with love, faith, and the values of education and hard work, Nathaniel carried these principles with him throughout his life. When his family moved to Asheville, North Carolina, it became the place where lifelong friendships were formed and family roots deepened.
Nathaniel was a proud graduate of Winston-Salem Teachers College (later known as Winston-Salem State University), Class of 1964. He remained connected to his classmates over the years through homecoming and many alumni events. His dedication to learning was a lifelong journey. He began his professional career as a passionate educator, inspiring his students not only with knowledge but also with kindness and encouragement. He later entered the textile industry, where he flourished as a Human Resources Executive, retiring from Kayser-Roth after many years of faithful and exemplary service. His fairness, humility, and professionalism touched the lives of many colleagues who came to respect him as both a leader and a friend.
Nathaniel’s greatest joy was his family. For fifty-five beautiful years, he shared a devoted marriage with his late wife, Joyce Rebecca Tollison. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. It is a legacy that will live on through their children and grandchildren. He was a proud and loving father to Para Tollison and Brent Tollison. Brent and his wife, Swanda, blessed him with two cherished grandchildren, Jordan and Ian, and he delighted in his role as great-grandfather to little Kai.
“Nate” as he was often called was known for his wonderful smile and infectious laughter, which could brighten any room. He had a natural warmth that drew people to him, and his joy was most evident when surrounded by those he loved. He also had a deep affection for the beach and the ocean, where he found peace and happiness in the sound of the waves and the beauty of the shoreline. He equally cherished the mountains for their quiet strength and breathtaking views. Visiting his beloved hometown of Asheville always filled him with nostalgia, comfort, and gratitude for the place that shaped his heart and values.
Nathaniel enjoyed watching football and basketball, always ready to cheer on his favorite teams and share a few jokes about the games. He was also a fan of golf and loved following tournaments and players, often enjoying the sport with his children. His humor, warmth, and good-natured spirit made every game day a joy for those around him.
Nathaniel devoted much of his life to serving others. He was a faithful member of his Manasseh Baptist Church, where he gave of his time and talents in service to the congregation and community. He also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering food, smiles, and companionship to those in need. His compassion and generosity of spirit were evident in every act of kindness, big or small, and he lived each day guided by faith and purpose.
A proud and devoted member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nathaniel was initiated in 1961 through the Mu Epsilon Chapter at Winston-Salem State University. He went on to hold multiple leadership positions and served his local Tau Omega Chapter. The brotherhood and fellowship he shared with his Omega brothers were among his life’s great joys, and he lived daily by the organization’s cardinal principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. Through his fraternity, he continued to mentor, uplift, and serve others, leaving a lasting impression on everyone.
Loved ones left to cherish his memory include his two children, Para Tollison and Nathaniel Brent Tollison (Swanda); two grandchildren, Jordan Amya Tollison and Ian Nathaniel Tollison; one great-grandson, Kai Nathaniel Tollison; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, fraternity brothers, church family, and dear friends who will continue to celebrate his life and legacy.
A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 2:00–6:00 PM at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home, 909 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 1:30 PM, also at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers or plants, donations may be made to the memory of Mr. Nathaniel Tollison to the HealthWell Foundation(https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/) or the Amyloidosis Foundation (https://amyloidosis.org/).
Following the funeral service, burial will be at Lakeview Memorial Park, 3600 N O. Henry Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27405.
The Tollison family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses and technicians for the care and comfort they provided to our father and family during his final days. We also wish to thank all those who have shown love and support through calls, cards, visits, and prayers during this time of bereavement. Your kindness means more than words can express.
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Otis F Stroud II sent Stately Croton for Mr. Nathaniel Tollison - October 07, 2025
Sandy Plachecki planted 5 trees in memory of Mr. Nathaniel Tollison . - October 07, 2025
Deidra Cheeks Merriwether planted 5 trees in memory of Mr. Nathaniel Tollison . - October 06, 2025
MORRIS HOWARD sent The Peace Lily for Mr. Nathaniel Tollison - October 06, 2025
Keith Schermerhorn planted 5 trees in memory of Mr. Nathaniel Tollison . - October 05, 2025
Our deepest condolences in the passing of Mr. Tollison. Mr. and Mrs. Tollison were beautiful souls and wonderful neighbors to our Mom and Dad, Pat and Frank Fortune. We so appreciated their kindness and support through the years and will truly miss both of their presence in our lives. Our most heartfelt prayers to the family in this time of bereavement.
May these words give comfort to the Tollison family at this time. Brother Tollison was an awesome man and a model in this community and beyond . He will be truly missed. Our prayers go out to this amazing family. Sincerely the Odom family.🙏🏾🙏🏾
Cuz Nate, on behalf of the Belo family, you will surely be missed. But, we're grateful to God our Father that He blessed and enriched our family by placing you in it. Rest well, Cuz.
My condolences to the Tollison's family on the passing of Brother Nathaniel l Tollison. I met Brother Toillison on the international Omega Psi Phi Prayer line, where we in spirit , immediately bonded. Seeing his obituary I noticed that I was born in the same month, eight days later , in the same year. Perhaps that also had something to do with the connection we felt.
Bro. Rev. Dr. James Edwards , lll Immediate Past 3rd. District Chaplain
We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Tollison. May you find comfort in the cherished moments you shared together. May the Lord give you comfort and peace in your time of bereavement.
My deepest condolences to Nat family. I enjoyed getting to know Nat working with him at Kayser-Roth. He really cared about his co-workers and helped everyone when he could. If he didn't know the answer to a question he found the answer, best Human Resources Manager ever. Praying for your strength during this time.
Condolence edited below completed name "Ver" Veronica Corbett Kayer-Roth Co-Worker
To the family Of Nat, thank you for sharing your father with the people at Kayser Roth. He was a Great Man. He personally helped me on more than one occasion with Finance and everyday work questions. He was a compassionate, kind man that would speak to everyone. And he was easy to talk to; I tried to contact him a few months back but couldn't get in touch with him. But I want you to know that I often thought of him and wondered how he was doing.
Life is filled with many blessings, Mr. Nathaniel Tollison was one of them..we offer heartfelt condolences to the family for the loss of Mr. Tollison. We will keep the family in our prayers.
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You will truly be missed. You have touched our lives in ways that words can not express. I am going to miss our talks, you were a wonderful friend.
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Love you unk. Enjoy your well-deserved peace
Nathaniel, you will surely be missed by your WSSU Class Of 1964. Your physical support, sense of humor, positive attitude and energetic presence made many of us focus on keeping our class together. We met in September of 1960 as Freshmen. Our friendship as classmates began then and has ever ceased throughout all these years. Thank you for supporting the first "WSSU 60's ERA RAM GATHERING DURING" during homecoming 2024! Your face and all our faces were so elated that you came with assistance of your daughter Para ! We often use the term "LIVING OUR DASH"; that time from our birth to the time when God call us home.... Nathaniel, my Friend, your DASH has touch so many of our lives in so many ways..... Thank You for who you have always been. Sit back and laugh about some of the funny conversations you and I have shared...If we could see you now Nathaniel....Have Fun .....will be seeing you again someday! James McNeal '64
Nat will surely be missed. My prayers are with the family.
He will be miss but never forgotten
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I am praying for the family
The family is in my thoughts and prayers during this time. He is truly missed 🕊️
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
